NCAA Men

Speel Stands Strong, No. 2 Duke Marches Past Virginia Tech

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DURHAM, N.C. – Graduate goalkeeper Wessel Speel stood strong in net for the Blue Devils, registering three saves including a huge penalty kick stop in the 66th minute to keep Duke (11-2-4) ahead 1-0, defeating Virginia Tech (7-7-4) 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.
 
Through the first half of play, both sides registered minimal chances, as the Blue Devils led the tally 5-4 at the half. In the 65th minute, Colton Pleasants received a pass from Drew Kerr and Trevor Burns, depositing a shot into the bottom right corner of the net, 1-0.
 
With just under 15 minutes to play, Ulfur Bjornsson earned a penalty kick and stepped to the spot before Cooper Wenzel made a sprawling save to keep the match 1-0. Minutes later, Bjornsson redeemed himself, smashing a ball past Wenzel to double Duke’s lead to 2-0. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

  • Through the first 20 minutes of action, Duke and Virginia Tech felt each other out, with the Hokies registering the only shot of the match.
  • At the half, the Blue Devils and Hokies remained scoreless, with Duke holding the advantage on shots 5-4. 
  • In the 65th minute, Colton Pleasants received a pass from Drew Kerr and Trevor Burns to open the scoring for the Blue Devils, 1-0.
  • In the 67th minute, Wessel Speel played spoiler, stopping a penalty kick to keep Virginia Tech scoreless. 
  • In the 81st minute, Ulfur Bjornsson redeemed his…

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